The Eagles Soar in Lucky 13th Grand Gathering

The 13^th “GRAND GATHERING OF THE EAGLES”

The members of Eagle Group XX and the Eagle Group USA Referral Network gathered at the DFW Hyatt in Dallas Texas on October 27^th and 28^th for the first all member conference in the 14-year history of the group.

Members from both groups gathered for a welcome reception after the Eagle Group XX annual business meeting, stories were told, songs were sung, and friendships made and renewed.

The Eagles Soar in Lucky 13th Grand Gathering — (L-R) Millard Land, Billy Whittenton and Ron Brown

Members, including two Eagle Group XX Emeritus members, Millard Land and Billy Whittenton, coming from across the United States and as far away as Hawaii enjoyed a reception hosted by Texas Eagle Group XX member Stephanie Finley and her Dallas Manager Chris Campbell.

After dinner the Eagle Group XX/USA Hospitality Suite opened where the Eagles had the opportunity to meet with and thank the sponsors of this years “Grand Gathering of the Eagles”, Mike Peplinski and Renee Low, and Jon Pollard of Harding Brooks Insurance Agency. “Gathering” kicked off Saturday morning after a Harding Brooks hosted breakfast with a welcome to all members of the Eagle Group XX and USA members by Mike Peplinski and it was brought to everyone’s attention that no one wore a name tag as the purpose was that the members should meet and introduce themselves to each other. The Eagle Group XX member from Alabama, Andy Cowan, commented, “We are the Eagles, we don’t need no stinkin name tags”, which brought laughter and applause from all attendees.

Since this was the first time the entire group had met as one, the members of Eagle Group XX, many who were charter members, introduced themselves to the USA members and briefly spoke as to how they had benefited from membership and the camaraderie of the group.

Mike Peplinski brought the group up to date on the current state of insurance in the recovery industry and Renee Low gave an outstanding presentation on Wrongful Repossessions and how to lessen your liability by “Striking Hard, Striking Fast, and Showing No Mercy”.

Eagle Group XX Members Tim Koskovics and Rich Whittaker gave excellent presentations on professionalism in the industry and recovering odd and unusual items which pay very good fees.

Stephanie Findley brought the members up to date on the status of the Repo Alliance and how important it was to have a voice in Washington DC. She also announced that there would be an auction at the “Eagles Grand Banquet” to raise money for the Repo Alliance.

After an outstanding lunch again hosted by Harding Brooks George Badeen brought the group up to date on the current activities of Allied Finance Adjusters, pointing out that they will continue to provide members with the $1,000,000.00 Dishonesty Policy and continue to publish a hard copy directory as well as the quarterly industry publication “Professional Repossessor”. It appears from George’s presentation that AFA continues to grow in numbers while remaining a steadfast trade association dedicated to its recovery agency members.

George Badeen’s presentation was followed by the guest speaker from California based Eagle Group XX Affiliate Sponsor DisplayRide, Abdul Kasim advised the group on the safety camera vest and how it can be utilized to create a safer environment for field personnel as well as his unique dash cam with over 6000 uber vehicles building an unsurpassed data base.

The final presentation was by invited guest speakers Markham Hodges and all the way from England one of the key developers of LPR, Henrick Kjellin both representing Up4Repo and describing their LPR system which uses Android Phones to capture data instead of expensive cameras.

Ron Brown presented information related to how many assignments were referred to members from the home office with the projected dollar volume which represented over $750,000.00 directed to Eagle group members The discussion ended with the Eagle Groups strategic plans for growth as well as what was on the horizon to garner more well-paying clients in 2024.

The meeting closed with distribution of silver coins being presented to the ones traveling the greatest distance to attend the meeting,

Krystal and Paul Kalili from Hawaii, the newest member of Eagle Group XX, Dick Frame, and one to Mike Peplinski as a thank you for hosting this momentous event. There was then a drawing for $100.00 which was won by Eagle Group USA member David Galbadon of Georgia.

The evening concluded with the “GRAND BANQUET OF THE EAGLES” which consisted of a fabulous meal and afterwards the auction conducted by the famed auctioneer, Mr. George Badeen, raised $10, 575.00 for the Repo Alliance. The grand bidder and winner of the prized bottle of “Frank Sinatra Special Jack Daniels” Eagle Group XX engraved bottle was Eagle Group XX member Corey Rowson of Pathfinder Recovery in Virginia with a bid of $6000.00.

The Eagles Soar in Lucky 13th Grand Gathering

Here are a few comments from the attendees:

Chris Terreault – AssetzBiz

A very special thank you to both Ron Brown and Mike Peplinski as well as everyone that contributed and traveled to this very successful event! It was a pleasure meeting some of the Eagle Group USA members. I find that the passion, energy and focus of fellow Eagles is a very contagious spirit that motivates me. The networking with other Eagles is invaluable and I always learn so much from other Eagles whether it be where they have succeeded or even when they have tried something that did not work. I already gave a special thanks to Ron Brown but how can any of us ever thank this person enough? Ron, your commitment to the Eagles, your insight, your work ethic and your willingness to help others is truly unparalleled. We are all extremely lucky to have your support! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Peggy Chapman – Speedy Recovery

I am always truly humbled to be part of Eagle Group XX. The only group I have ever been involved with that I truly believe they care and would do all they could to help with anything. All for one and one for all says it all.

Paul Kalili / Krystal Kalili – BB Towing Asset Recovery

We loved it. Got to meet faces to emails and phone calls. Blessed to be part of an amazing group.

David Gabaldon – Barrett Gabaldon Georgia Collateral Recovery Bureau Inc.

It was a very pleasurable experience and got to meet a lot of great people that have the same passion for this business as I do. There was a wealth of knowledge and experience in that room that can’t be bought. I feel privileged to be a part of this great group.

John Campbell – Southern Kentucky Auto Recovery

Being new to the group it was awesome meeting everyone, and the warmest of welcomes that I received was just out of this world. Thank you, Mr. Brown, for the time you put in to make all of this happen. The demonstrations and blocks of instruction were top notch. I believe this is probably one of the best decisions we have made to progress our business.

Walter Justice – Alert Recovery

I received the most information from meeting all the Eagle USA members. also, a big shout out to Harding Brooks they put on an unbelievable presentation. lots of information we are bringing back to our office.

Keith Burger – Recovery Zone

Anything, Anytime, Anyplace – Professionally has been my moto all of my life! Never has it been defined so succinctly! I am humbled to have been in attendance with the Icons and Leaders of this industry. Quite refreshing to realize there are more people like myself out there!

Emily Hemmings – Quick Recovery Services, Inc.

Ron, I want to thank you for the opportunity to have all Eagles attend. I have had some things weighing on my heart lately and being in attendance was confirmation for what I was searching for. I’m forever grateful to be a part of such a special group of people. “What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong” are words I personally live by. To hear you speak that out loud Saturday, was the Lord’s way of showing me…I am right where I belong.

For information on joining the Eagle Group USA Referral Network contact Ron Brown at Rbrown@CSI-ARM.com or call on the Eagle Group XX Hotline 800-411-1844